Some witnesses have alleged that Stewart intentionally drove his car into Ward, an accusation likely fueled by the driver’s reputation for being a hothead. The names of the drivers Stewart has tangled with over the years could replace the sponsor patches on his uniform.

Throwing his helmet at Matt Kenseth’s windshield, as he did in 2012, is one thing. But aiming his car at a defenseless person? That’s hard to imagine, even for Stewart.

Criminal charges against Stewart seem increasingly unlikely. Still, the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

It was immediately clear, though, that Ward did a risky and foolish thing leaving his vehicle and walking toward traffic — especially wearing a dark fire suit and black helmet at night on a poorly lit track. If anyone’s emotions got the better of him, it was the younger, less-experienced driver.

Perhaps he was influenced by video through the years of big-name drivers and their crews yelling and pushing each other, one side blaming the other for an accident or some other racing slight.

In a familiar scene the afternoon before the fatal sprint car race Saturday night at the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Watkins Glen, New York, driver J.J. Yeley walked to the edge of oncoming traffic under a yellow flag and gestured at Trevor Bayne.

The example is set: That’s racing.

The fallout from Saturday’s tragedy is ongoing. Ward’s family will forever have to deal with his loss. Stewart’s personal life and his career are forever changed — regardless of whether or not there are any legal repercussions. Perhaps it’s time to sacrifice some entertainment value by tamping down emotions. “That’s racing” shouldn’t include taking such unnecessary risks as walking near traffic.

NASCAR moved Friday to address the problem, barring its drivers from going onto the track or approaching moving cars after an accident.

The rule is supposed to apply to all levels of NASCAR racing. Let’s hope it works and is consistently enforced. These kinds of encounters just aren’t fun to watch anymore.